September 30, 2012, 11:17PM

09/30/2012

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In the aftermath of Sonoma County's signature cycling ride, the GranFondo, at least four cyclists were recovering Sunday from broken bones after crashing along the course.

For a ride involving more than 7,000 cyclists -- and the accompanying 14,000 wheels, pedals and handlebars -- the reported injuries were fewer and less serious than previous years, emergency personnel said.

"It was a very successful event; there were very few injuries and very few problems," said CHP Sgt. Kahl Eidam, who was among a team of officers patrolling the event on motorcycle.

The GranDonut

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Actor Patrick Dempsey reacts to a question during a mock press conference prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Professional bike rider Rebecca Rusch prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Santa rosa's Levi Leipheimer navigates the GranDonut Race course at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Rebecca Rusch races the course with two doughnuts in the her mouth during the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Elden Nelson high fives the crowd after his team won the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Professional bike rider Tom Danielson eats there doughnuts during the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Levi Leipheimer and Patrick Dempsey clown around after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Levi Leipheimer, Elden Nelson and Rebecca Rusch prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
professional bike rider Rebecca Rusch prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
From left Elden Nelson, Kristin Armstrong, Patrick Dempsey and Levi Leipheimer ham it up prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
The GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Levi Leipheimer acknowledges spectators prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Levi Leipheimer prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Professional riders Rebecca Rusch and Kristin Armstrong are introduced to spectators prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
From left, Patrick Dempsey Rebecca Rusch, Levi Leipheimer, Elden Nelson, Tom Danielson and Kristin Armstrong field questions during a mock press conference prior to the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
professional bicycle rider Tom Danielson and Actor Patrick Dempsey east doughnuts during the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Actor Patrick Dempsey finishes off a doughnut during the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Rebecca Rusch speeds around the course during the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Finishing up there doughnuts from left, Patrick Dempsey, Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa and Rebecca Rusch greet spectators after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
rider Tom Danielson bows before Fat Cyclist's Elden Nelson after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Two-time gold medal Olympic winner Kristin Armstrong signs the jersey of spectator Dennis Zingler of San Clemente after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Participants of the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012 pose for fans pictures of their favorite rider. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
From left, Levi Leipheimer, Rebecca Rusch and Patrick Dempsey share good laugh after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Actor Patrick Dempsey poses for photographs while professional bicycle rider Tom Danielson makes bunny ears after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa had to wear a special hat after his team lost the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa had to wear a special hat after his team lost the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2012

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Actor Patrick Dempsey hands out doughnuts to spectators after the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2011

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Actor Patrick Dempsey, left and professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer share high fives after finishing second in the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2011

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
Professional bicycle racer Tom Danielson greets the crowd during the GranDonut Race at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. At left is fellow professional rider Kristin Armstrong, gold medal winner in the 2012 Olympics in London. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2011

on Friday, 9 28, 2012.
London and Beijing Olympic gold medal winner Kristin Armstrong pedals her way around the GranDonut course at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa, Friday Sept. 28, 2012. Riders had to eat doughnuts every time they took a lap on a small bike. The proceeds of the event go to local and national charities. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2011

"We had fewer incidents than the year before," Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman said. "I treated a bee sting up on Coleman Valley Road, but that's about it."

More than 7,000 people participated in Saturday's charity ride started four years ago by professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa.

The ride started in west Santa Rosa and, depending on which of three routes a rider followed, included miles passing through the Graton and Occidental areas, the Sonoma Coast, the Russian River region and Cazadero.

"We're not happy about any injuries, but we're happy that there were less than any year before," said Greg Fisher, GranFondo marketing director.

On Saturday, riders experienced a sparkling sunny day with some fog on the coast. In contrast, last year rain slicked roads and contributed to several serious crashes on some of the course's trickiest turns and descents.

In 2011, seven cyclists were taken by helicopter and ambulances to hospitals with moderate and major injuries after crashes during the ride. Three of those people crashed on one of the trickiest spots on the 103-mile course near Timber Cove, Hauser Bridge near Tin Barn roads.

Event staff this year posted additional ride marshals to wave flags and signs warning cyclists about the curve during their approach.

In the aftermath of Sonoma County's signature cycling ride, the GranFondo, at least four cyclists were recovering Sunday from broken bones after crashing along the course.

For a ride involving more than 7,000 cyclists -- and the accompanying 14,000 wheels, pedals and handlebars -- the reported injuries were fewer and less serious than previous years, emergency personnel said.

"It was a very successful event; there were very few injuries and very few problems," said CHP Sgt. Kahl Eidam, who was among a team of officers patrolling the event on motorcycle.

"We had fewer incidents than the year before," Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman said. "I treated a bee sting up on Coleman Valley Road, but that's about it."

More than 7,000 people participated in Saturday's charity ride started four years ago by professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa.

The ride started in west Santa Rosa and, depending on which of three routes a rider followed, included miles passing through the Graton and Occidental areas, the Sonoma Coast, the Russian River region and Cazadero.

"We're not happy about any injuries, but we're happy that there were less than any year before," said Greg Fisher, GranFondo marketing director.

On Saturday, riders experienced a sparkling sunny day with some fog on the coast. In contrast, last year rain slicked roads and contributed to several serious crashes on some of the course's trickiest turns and descents.

In 2011, seven cyclists were taken by helicopter and ambulances to hospitals with moderate and major injuries after crashes during the ride. Three of those people crashed on one of the trickiest spots on the 103-mile course near Timber Cove, Hauser Bridge near Tin Barn roads.

Event staff this year posted additional ride marshals to wave flags and signs warning cyclists about the curve during their approach.

During the 2010 event, a cyclist narrowly survived after being struck by a hit-and-run motorist.

Authorities are still searching for the driver, who appeared to intentionally hit the rider.

Saturday's ride did not end without some inevitable bruises and road rash. At least two people were flown to hospitals because of their injuries and the remote locations where they crashed.

Two cyclists broke clavicle bones and two others suffered injuries to pelvic bones Saturday after crashing on various parts of the course, Fisher said.

One rider was flown by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after a bad crash on Bittner Road near Joy Road, said Occidental Fire Chief Ron Lunardi.